Prerequisites: Sit
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beginner
Dog lifts one front paw into your hand on cue.
Age suitability: From about 10 weeks; no upper age limit.
Prerequisites: Sit
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Why dogs take to it: Many dogs naturally paw for attention, making this easy to capture.
Breed tendencies: Retrievers, poodles, and many terriers often learn quickly.
Physical suitability: Generally safe. Do not force paw lift for dogs with shoulder discomfort.
Supplies: small treats, optional clicker
Verbal cues: shake, paw, gimme
Hand signal: Open palm at chest height.
Fun fact or history: “Shake hands” appears in dog manuals from the 1800s.
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